City Manager George Lahanas presented the council with the budget projections through fiscal year 2023. The budget retreat scheduled for Feb. 10 was canceled to grant staff more time to review feedback from the budget community engagement sessions held in January. 

The city expenditures are growing faster than revenue, but in fiscal year 2019 there will be an expected higher revenue than expenditures. 

"No one likes putting cuts on the page for people to see," Lahanas said. "This is not a rosy picture, it's a tough picture."  

Lane Closure

Harrison Road is converting from four lanes to three lanes between Grand River Avenue and Michigan Avenue. The main concern is the bike lanes. The council discussed how to handle this and get public input. 

City council concluded to host a public hearing to receive input from the community about the road change. 

Celebration of Diversity

On March 5, there will be a celebration of diversity at All Saints Episcopal Church. The event will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Interfaith Coalition, Associated Students of Michigan State University, Residence Hall Association, Black Student Alliance, Muslim Student Association and many other organizations are supporting this event. There will be food, performances, and speakers at this event. 

"Showing where our community stands in the rise of visible white supremacy," MSU senior and city council member Aaron Stephens said. "It is very important to show that our diversity makes us stronger and we fully support that both on campus and off."

This event is taking place on the same day white supremacist Richard Spencer is scheduled to speak on campus.